Armenia has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a State Member, with the Ministry of Environment serving as the national liaison to the IUCN Secretariat. The announcement, made at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, highlights Armenia’s commitment to advancing biodiversity conservation and raising ambition for nature.

“Through IUCN, Armenia will gain access to global expertise, innovative tools and international partnerships that will help us accelerate our conservation goals,” said H.E. Mr Hambardzum Matevosyan, Minister of Environment of Armenia. “This membership also supports our preparations for hosting COP17 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, a landmark moment for Armenia to showcase its role in advancing biodiversity and sustainability.” 

Situated between Europe and Asia, Armenia harbours a remarkable variety of habitats, from mountain forests and alpine meadows to semi-deserts and freshwater ecosystems. These landscapes shelter unique and threatened species, such as the Critically Endangered Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), the endemic Bezoar goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus), and the Sevan trout (Salmo ischchan), found only in Lake Sevan. Beyond their biodiversity value, these ecosystems provide essential services for people and communities across the region.

Armenia has made important progress in biodiversity policy and legislation, including the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and the Red Book of Armenia. Yet challenges remain, such as strengthening the legal framework for biodiversity, developing a national biodiversity monitoring system, and securing sustainable financing for long-term environmental goals. 

“We are honoured to welcome Armenia as a State Member of IUCN,” said Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General. “This decision comes at a pivotal moment as Armenia works to expand its protected and conserved areas, restore forests, and align its legislation with international standards. Home to remarkable biodiversity and unique ecosystems at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia plays a vital role in regional and global conservation efforts. IUCN stands ready to support these efforts through our science-based tools – from the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas and the Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions™️ to the Red Lists of Species and Ecosystems. IUCN looks forward to walking alongside Armenia, and to provide support and expertise as we work together to turn ambitions into lasting results for people and nature.”

Armenia’s membership coincides with preparations to host the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) in 2026. This landmark event will give Armenia a global stage to highlight its conservation leadership and drive forward implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

As part of its green transition, Armenia has pledged to restore forests across 12.9% of its territory by 2030, strengthen protection for threatened species, and ease pressures on freshwater ecosystems, particularly Lake Sevan. With support from international initiatives and in partnership with IUCN, the country is also working to accelerate the Green Transition by aligning with the ambitious goals of the EU Green Deal, expanding the Emerald Network, and integrating Nature-based Solutions into national development.

By joining IUCN, Armenia gains access to a global platform for collaboration, expertise and innovation. This membership also creates opportunities to engage with international financing mechanisms, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF), to advance its national priorities and contribute to global climate and biodiversity goals.